Pages

Monday, May 17, 2010

All About Gnomes . . .

. . . well, sort of! My card today features the Relaxing Gnome. I didn't know much about gnomes, but have always found the images intriguing. So, before posting, I decided to learn a little bit about gnomes; I hope you don't mind my sharing. First written mention of gnomes is credited to 16th century Swiss Alchemist Paracelsus, who wrote that gnomes are "two spans high, very reluctant to interact with humans, and able to move through solid earth as easily as humans walk through air." A span is the distance from the tip of your thumb to your little finger when your hand is fully open and fingers spread apart. Tiny little guys, aren't they?!?! The Latin and Greek origins of the word gnome translate to mean "earth dwellers" and gnomes are depicted as often guarding mines and precious underground treasures. Gnomes started being used as statuaries in gardens in the 19th century and garnered the term, "garden gnomes." In modern literature, the gnome is often depicted as being a cunning character--an inventor of sorts. So, now that I've told you a little bit about gnomes, here is my project:

As you can see, this gnome is relaxing atop a mushroom--either that's a really big mushroom, or he's less than two spans high! So is he really just enjoying himself . . . relaxing and doing nothing, or is he scheming? I colored the Relaxing Gnome using my Prisma watercolor pencils, then blended with a blender pen. The image was cut and embossed with an oval Nestability die and sponged along the inner edge of the die with Memento Desert Sand ink. A little bit of ribbon was added to give the card contrast and texture.
And finally, just a quick reminder . . . if you have not participated in the "It's A Boy Thing" blog hop, you still have time. Be sure to go here for details and to get started. There is a fantastic prize being offered to one lucky "Hopper" and a couple ways to earn more chances. Thanks for stopping by today and having a look! Have a GREAT day!